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My favorite healthcare books and gifts for 2017

This is my week for buying gifts for my family. I try to get everyone something that I think will not only bring them pleasure, but better health 😊

*I have to include a disclosure here that this post contains affiliate links for Amazon. That said, I’m not trying to make any money with my blog, so if you can find these products for better prices elsewhere, great!

Last year my gift list included a lot of books and items for the sleep deprived, new parents, aging relatives and future nurses. Those are still great gifts, so take a look.

This year my categories include games, exercise equipment, healthy food prep and, as always, more books. Do you have favorite items to share? If so, please put them in a comment! FN

So we ate more soluble fiber, experimented with fermented foods (so much fun!), and tried to eat less pasta. The zoodle maker made eating zucchini more interesting, especially when paired with a rich spaghetti sauce or spicy stir fry. My brother’s getting one this year.

The book, The Art of Fermentation, was a gift to us last Christmas, and we love it! Our favorites so far have been the homemade sauerkraut, ginger ale, and overnight oatmeal.

We’ve been making our own yogurt for years with a yogurt maker I gave to my husband many Christmases ago. He still considers it one of his favorite gifts, ever.

OXO Good Grips Handheld Spiralizer aka “zoodle maker”

The Art of Fermentation: An In-Depth Exploration of Essential Concepts and Processes from around the World

Dash Bulk Yogurt Maker

For the gamer

When I say gamer, I don’t mean the video game variety (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

Board games have really become popular over the last few years. I’ve always loved board games (my husband, not so much) and I think the social aspect of them is appealing to more and more people. There are several coffee shops near my home that not only sell coffee, but games, and have lots of tables where people can meet and play.

Most board games or card games involve strategy, which forces our brains to be quicker and more flexible. When you add in the benefit of playing with friends, games can be a very healthy pastime.

My favorite game is mahjongg. It may seem a mysterious game, but it’s really just a variation of rummy played with tiles instead of cards.

Over Thanksgiving, my son and his girlfriend brought the game Codenames. Apparently, smack talking your opponents is part of the fun 😒

And a family favorite has always been Milles Bornes, the classic French road game. I’ve given Milles Bornes to more kids than I can count, and it’s fun for adults, too! But be prepared—kids can be ruthless.

Beginner’s Guide to American Mah Jongg: How to Play the Game & Win

Codenames by Czech Games

Mille Bornes The Classic Auto Race Card Game

For the exercise nut

My husband and I joined a gym this year, although I certainly wouldn’t describe myself as an exercise fanatic. Still, I’m doing it because I know it’s in my best health interests. Below are a few of the items I’ve found helpful that would also make great gifts.

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller

TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball

For the healthcare savvy

I have two nieces in the healthcare field, and aging siblings and relatives who are just using more healthcare. My blog is all about being informed patients (or healthcare consumers, if you prefer) and making smart decisions that keep us healthy and limit our medical costs.

Two books really stood out this year, and I highly recommend both. Whether you are in the healthcare field or not, these books will arm you with vital information for navigating the mine field we call the American healthcare system.

An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back